Positive Pathways: Providing Youth with the Power

1.  "In this frame, young people are situated as individuals with emotional, physical, academic, moral, and social potential." -From I Know What I Believe: Using Theory to Prepare Youth Workers

- This quote from the reading really resonated with me because I think it is so important to make space for youth to be authentically themselves. I believe it is a disservice to the youth for the adults or mentors who work with them to pigeonhole the leaders of tomorrow (and sometimes today). While there is nothing wrong with viewing Youth Development through differing lenses like Risk, Resilience and Prevention, Civic Youth Development, and Social Justice Youth Development, I find that using the Positive Youth Development lens allows for more agency from the very beginning. This viewpoint reminds me of the approach used at DCYF, which we call a "strengths based approach." A strengths-based approach gives people the opportunity to focus on the assets they already see in themselves, and then encourages them to use those innate strengths to build a more powerful sense of self, achievement, and social responsibility. 

      2. "Students not only learn how to do better in school, they find new ways to ignite their passions-and to engage in learning and life." -From PASA website

- I believe that education is so much more than just doing well in school; it’s about helping young people discover what sparks their interests. I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for students to engage deeply with their interests, as that’s what truly fuels their love for learning. PASA wants to create an environment where every child feels empowered to explore their dreams and identities. For me, this quote reinforces my mission to inspire youth to pursue what excites them, allowing them to thrive not just academically, but in life as a whole. It’s about fostering a space where they can connect their education to their passions and build a future they’re excited about.

     3. "We establish creative practices which allow young people to become more imaginative and active community members." From New Urban Arts website

-This quote highlights the importance of fostering creativity and imagination in young people, which is an area I am working to improve in my own youth work. I’ve seen how encouraging kids to express themselves creatively can empower them to become more engaged and active in their communities, but I struggle to get in touch with my own creative side. As someone who values the unique perspectives and experiences of youth, I understand that nurturing their creativity helps them find their voices and take ownership of their surroundings. This quote reinforces my belief that when young people are given the tools to imagine and create, they become more confident and invested in making positive changes in their communities. In my work, want to establish practices that not only cultivate their imagination but also encourage them to participate actively in community life.